Thursday, April 14, 2011

Are you or someone you know struggling to get pregnant? Stressing out about not being pregnant is one of the many reasons why women cannot conceive. Stress is a big blocker as is what you eat. Creating a healthy environment for baby to grow seems to be overlooked. Folic Acid is essential, as is whole foods (simple, unrefined, local), lots of plants, and be sure to get your fill of healthy fats. Some example of healthy fats may be: coconut oil, avocados, salmon, to name a few. One more piece of advice which I am trying to practice daily...let go and let God. He is the giver of life and he opens and closes the womb. Here is a recent news article for you to enjoy... http://www.the33tv.com/news/kdaf-acupuncture-fertility-story,0,42965.story

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Spring is budding once again, and I anticipate the fresh buds of flowers, fresh grass and new leaves on the trees. An assumption I made recently was that everyone looks forward to spring. However, an allergy sufferer in my presence groaned and declared the long months of sneezing, wheezing, stuffy head, nose and sinuses he got to look forward to, as well as the daily dose of allergy meds he takes just to keep him going. There are options! You don't have to sniffle your way through spring! In addition to the many different allergy treatments Valeo has to offer; I have a variety of techniques to open those sinus cavities, drain the head of excess pressure and buildup of toxins, release the nose and throat resulting in an easy spring for you. If you find yourself struggling with allergies or the annoying symptoms that go with allergies, don't spend another spring inside with your tissue box; schedule an appointment today for relief! ~Leah

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

When you think of the word essential, most of us think that without you would die. When it comes to using the word essential in the nutritional world, it does mean that but there is more to it. The word essential in nutrition also means your body can't make it or convert it from something else. For example Vitamin C is an essential vitamin. Without Vitamin C you get Scurvy. However, vitamin C is not an essential vitamin for a tiger. Without vitamin C a tiger will get scurvy as well but they can eat meat and convert it to Vitamin C.

Omega 3 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids for humans. The only way you can get them is by eating them. The best source is is cold water oily fish such as salmon, cod, herring, mackerel, anchovies and sardines. Other sources of Omega 3 fatty acids are free range grass fed beef, eggs, dairy from grass fed beef, green lipped mussels, krill oil and some plant seeds such as flax oil. The problem with the plant seeds is that the omga 3 fatty acid is mostly ALA instead of the more beneficial DHA and EPA that is in the others.

The amount of omega 3 fatty acids a person needs each day is about 1000 mg or 1 gram. This really is not much. Most servings of the fish listed will give you about 250- 1000mg, Salmon being the highest. The other non fish sources will give you about half that at best. The problem arises that most people are not eating these foods on a daily basis or even weekly.

Research shows that omega 3 fatty acids help with cardiovascular function, neurological function, and joint health. These three areas of health are very common areas of disease for many Americans. What we are finding out is that many people do not have a disease but are really malnurished.

The best way to get your omega 3 fatty acids is to eat them but if that is not enough, which for most of us it is not, then the next best step is to take a supplement. This goes for baby's, children, and for adults.

Another problem can arise from this and that is what is the best fish oil out there. There is a lot of different companies selling them. They have many different sources, amounts, processing methods, and costs. Which is the best? I would recommend staying away from the cheaper versions. They are cheaper for a reason, they are of poor quality. Some of the best brands out there are Standard Process, Nordic Naturals, Nature's Bounty, Nature Made, Sears and Green Pasture's. All of which will run you about $25-$35/month.

In my opinion Green Pasture is the best for adults. It is a great source of omega 3 fatty acids. Because it uses cod as it's source, it is also high in vitamin A and D. It also contains a butter oil which has great health benefits. To learn more go to http://www.greenpasture.org/public/Home/index.cfm

Putting the right fuel into our cars is essential. The same is true for our bodies. God designed our bodies and the food to support it. Going without that food is not an option as you can see with so many Americans getting sick. Many of our problems are do to malnutrition. If you are not already taking an omega 3 fatty acid, start nourishing your body today!

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Did you know that the word "heart" is mentioned over 700 times in the Bible? I didn't until recently. 700 times! Woah. Our hearts must be important if our Creator uses it over and over. The American Heart Association does its job well. We read about HDL (the good) and LDL (the bad) cholesterol, to take in proper nutrition, and to exercise, all good things, but what about our emotional health?

I believe sometimes we are missing the bigger picture.

I am not against surgery at all so don't get me wrong, but what if we could completely bypass the heart bypass surgeries by first dealing with the emotional root that is there in the first place?

In the Bible all emotions are experienced by the heart: Love/Hate, Joy/Sorrow, Peace/Bitterness, Courage/Fear etc. What if these are not properly released? What if a negative emotion takes root? I would love if I had these answers but these are all questions I am asking myself as I walk this journey, I just want to share what is on my heart.

Here is an amazing story about a man from Roseville who had to undergo a 5-way heart bypass surgery and is using acupuncture for his recovery.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

We’ve been led to believe that risk factors, genetics, toxins, diet, and germs are the cause of disease. While these factors can have a debilitating effect on the mind-body-spirit and result in lowered vitality, none of those factors can scientifically explain why specifically we get many diseases, including heart dis-ease. Have you ever asked yourself:

1. Why does one person develop cancer and another remain healthy?
2. Why do some people have chronic digestive issues while others get colds or heart problems?
3. And why do people get a particular illness at a specific time in their life?

Well, medical researchers from Europe over 30 years ago discovered that
there is a direct relationship between shocking events in a person's life and the development of dis-ease. According to Dr. Ryke Hamer, a German oncologist, there is a specific brain-organ-psyche relay that is activated when a person experiences an emotional event that was shocking, unexpected, isolating, and for which there was no strategy for them to resolve the conflict at that time. He termed that event as a Conflict-Shock. We have found that along with certain emotions, there can also be beliefs and lies that become trapped in the physical tissues of the body at the moment of a Conflict-Shock.

His research revealed that the specific Conflict-Shock associated with heart dis-eases are as follows:

1. An "attack against the heart" affects the pericardium together with a heart "attack." This can be triggered by a physical attack, a verbal attack, or an attack against our integrity.

2. The Myocardium or heart muscle relates to the "conflict of being completely overwhelmed."

3. The Coronary Arteries and Veins relates to a "territorial loss conflict," as in a fear of losing your territory or the actual loss of it. Territory could be perceived as your job, your home, or your spouse.

This list is not exhaustive and is provided to give examples of the kinds of emotionally shocking events that can lead to different heart related health challenges.

I believe that we at Valeo can provide scientifically researched answers by using an advanced mind-body diagnostic system that finds the underlying root trauma, emotions, beliefs, lies, and blockages to healing. Once found, we can help them to release those trapped emotions.

Look for an upcoming seminar about this fascinating subject sometime in April.

Saturday, January 29, 2011

As Valentine’s Day approaches do you find it difficult seeing all the blinding pink and red colors, cupids, and hearts with wings that you see around every corner? For some the constant reminder of love can be very painful? What about the people who have a broken, shattered or fragmented heart for one reason or another?

Heart pain is not just for those who have had heart attacks; heart pain goes deep to the core of our emotions as well. When someone we love has hurt us or we have lost someone we love, our bodies store that hurt. Did you know that “researchers have shown that hurt feelings from words affect the same area in the brain as a broken bone or physical injury?” (Leaf, C. The Gift In You, p. 191) When we continue to re-live negative experiences or stew on past pains, hurts or trouble in our lives, we are creating hormone and neurological pathways for the brain and body to continue living in this way.

The Bible says in I John 4:18, “No fear exists where His love is. Rather, perfect love gets rid of fear, because fear involves punishment. The person who lives in fear doesn't have perfect love.” “Science is showing us that there is a massive unlearning of negative toxic thoughts when we operate in love. The brain releases a chemical called oxytocin, which literally melts away negative toxic thought clusters so that you can re-wire circuits with positive emotions and behaviors. When we trust and bond and reach out to other people, it produces this chemical that replaces negative with positive. Perfect love casts out all fear on all levels of the body” (Leaf, C. The Gift In You, p. 196).

Often times we need help healing a broken heart by eliminating: toxic thought patterns, obsessive thoughts and behaviors, and trapped emotion. This can be difficult because they are so deeply intertwined in the brain and body but not impossible. Mathew 19:26 says that with man things can seem impossible but with God all things are possible. If you are struggling with a heart problem this Valentine’s Day, make an appointment today. We can help!

Most doctors would agree with the statement "Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables for better health."

Why do doctors offer such advice? Because natural, whole fruits and vegetables (along with modest amounts of natural meats and fish) contain the key to healing, prevention and energy.

But HOW REALISTIC IS IT TO EXPECT MOST PEOPLE TO TAKE THIS ADVICE?

Not very. Why?

We live in a time where most people are eating for taste, texture, smell, presentation and convenience. All are poor reasons to eat. But the marketing companies are really good at promoting these reasons.

We should all be eating for one main reason only: Nutrient value of our food. Eat to Live not Live to Eat.

But how do I get the nutrients that I need. First and foremost taking the advice of eating a variety of fruits and vegatables. Unfortunately for most of us this is not enough due to depleted soils and modern farming techniques. This is where taking whole food supplements is a great way to get these vital nutrients that we are not getting in our food.

WHY NOT JUST GO TO THE GROCERY STORE?

Another reality check. Most people just won't get the foods they have to have to address their nutritional deficiencies.

If they go to the store, they aren't likely to buy and eat the variety they need.

AND, even if they are eating vegetables, the local grocery or health food store is unlikely to carry the specific types of foods that are in whole food supplements.

NutriPlex's (one of the supplement brands we carry) whole food ingredients are gathered from around the world for their nutrient value. They go above and beyond your average produce aisle in terms of nutritional impact.

THE BEST INGREDIENTS GATHERED FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Here are some ingredients from NutriPlex products you're not likely to find at the local supermarket:

Acerola cherry, from the Amazon rain forest, high in vitamin C (in Flavo-C)

Dandelion, often on your lawn but rarely at the grocer, high in potassium and minerals (in Caro-C, Green Nutrients + more)

Cereal grasses cut at the jointing stage when the green plant is most nutrient-dense

Liver, which is rarely served but used to be a household staple, high in iron, minerals and vitamins B and A (in GTF Complex + more)

Wild pansies which are very high in rutin, a critical bioflavonoid to support small blood vessels and produce collagen (in Flavo-C + others)

There are many other examples ~ ask your Valeo practitioner for recommendations.

NUTRIPLEX WHOLE FOOD SUPPLEMENTS ARE PACKED WITH NUTRIENTS

What could be better than offering these foods in a pill or powder so they'll never end up in the back of their refrigerators.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Our hearts are sensitive and respond to every thought we think, emotion we feel, words we say. When we do not hold every thought captive to the TRUTH, we are leaving ourselves vulnerable to thoughts and emotions becoming beliefs. Thoughts, emotions and beliefs all create chemicals that either affect our bodies in a positive healing way or a negative destructive way.

Underneath every problem or issue is a set of beliefs.The beliefs can include many elements such as:

How you think of yourself

How you perceive your place in the world

How you believe you must react to external events

How you are expected to react to external events

What you can expect from other people, from life or from the world

The way the world works

How the world reacts to you

Be

liefs can be complex. For example, the belief “I am not capable" can be combined with “If I try to do something, I am bound to fail", or “No matter what I do, people think I am stupid.” So beliefs can contain expected actions and reactions.The underlying belief system in each problem essentially says to your brain, “You will validate this belief by creating certain experiences for me.”Whenever a triggering situation occurs, either internally or externally, your faithful servant immediately recreates the problem, i.e. the uncomfortable feelings of personal limitation.(BSFF)

As your brain and nervous system process life with the heart, we need to be much more aware of how the processing is working for us or against us.

Each spinal nerve has a receptor located in the skin and nerves, muscles, tendons and ligaments, organs and other tissues are connected to that spinal nerve.They develop together in embryo and grow from the spinal cord to the tissues.IN other words, signals from all these areas pass through neurons on their way back to the spinal cord and into the brain for processing.

(Enzymes, Loomis p. 43)

There is scientific document proving that 87% of all disease is a result of toxic thoughts.What we think effects us mentally, emotionally and physically – our entire system is effected by the thoughts we think.

Thoughts

Emotions

Attitudes

Behavior

When we experience & learn from any of the 5 senses the brain fires Electrical Impulses and we grow Dendrites (branches) on the axons.Everything we experience from the womb is stored in the brain and these memories are anchored and bolted in the brain.Once an experience has been felt, the hypothalamus responds chemically to whatever you experience electro magnetically, chemically and electrically.All chemicals carry feeling and they move into the cells.

Remember, as this happens in micro seconds, our heart and organs are responding accordingly to handle the positive or negative stress that is being processed. The practitioners at Valeo are trained and highly effective at addressing the Emotional, Mental, Physical, Spiritual, Chemical and Energetic parts of your health. Healing is happening so much faster as we address the ROOT CAUSE of the problem as opposed to band aiding a symptom in priority order.

FEAR is an emotion that directly affects the heart, brain, nervous system, etc. How often do you make health decisions out of fear? Maybe you don't have fear but just aren't at complete peace with the treatment options offered you. What if there were other OPTIONS to address your symptoms, health problems, health concerns, children's allergies, behaviors, etc.? What if you could be set free from your current health challenges permanently?

"When I found out there were options with no side effects, I couldn't have been more excited to start my healing journey and now for my family!!!!" cs

Be sure to read the testimonials of our clients and their reviews online. I have personally experienced incredible resolution by addressing the root cause of breast cancer, hypothyroidism, chronic back/neck pain, severe adrenal fatigue, weight problems, skin issues, anxiety, depression ups and downs, stress disorders as well as walking daily with joy, energy, positive thoughts from being angry, frustrated and a deep sadness I could not shake on my own. The traumas we experience in life create "heart walls" or protective mechanisms that can't be measured on a CT scan or MRI. Heart walls are real and affect the tissue, function and stress relays to the brain on a daily basis.

I encourage you to stop making health decisions out of fear or lack of information. Be educated on all the options so you can make a decision that brings peace and expedited healing!

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

I and everyone at Valeo try our best to do the "natural" thing. Eat, drink, and supplement the way God intended it...in its natural form. So when it comes to about this time of year when energy is waning, my skin is screaming for natural Vitamin D aka Sunlight, and everywhere I look people are fighting off cold/flu...I love acupuncture even more.

Acupuncture is great for increasing energy and boosting the immune system. One study of Acupuncture and Immune System Function show the natural killer cells activity increased significantly at rest of individuals who received acupuncture in a five week study. Those natural killer cells are the ones in charge of eating cancer cells and any other virus that tries to attack the body.As far as energy is concerned acupuncture helps the brain release a balance of chemicals, hormones, and endorphins it needs to thrive instead of just survive.

Monday, January 17, 2011

Treat your sweetie this Valentine's Day by giving them a gift that is sure to benefit your relationship for years to come. Massage for couples is a class designed to fill you in on the secrets of effective and meaningful massages!

In these 3 hours of training you will learn....

• Why touch is vital for the body to function

• What stress does to the body

• Simple & quick ways you can take care of yourself when feeling stressed

• The benefits of massage

• 6 massage techniques that can be applied anywhere on the body

• Massage for head, neck, shoulders, arms, back and feet

Massage tables and supplies will be provided for the class. Please bring a blanket for your comfort and wear loose and comfortable clothing. Women, please wear a tank top.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Have you ever tried and tried to make a change in your life and no matter how hard you try, you feel it doesn't change for you? I have had that experience many times, not just for a New Year's resolution, but other areas of my life where I would pray and try to change a certain area of my life and then when nothing changes, I felt like a failure and became incredibly more frustrated upon each failure. I always believed it was me that just couldn't will myself hard enough to change into the outcome I desired and I know that God desired for me. Then I started learning about my brain and how it works. I didn't realize that self defeating thoughts like, "This hasn't worked in the past, why would it work in the future; or I always fail at this or that" actually tell my brain to give me that outcome.

"Underneath every problem or issue is a set of beliefs. The beliefs can include many elements such as:

How you think of yourself

How you perceive your place in the world

How you believe you must react to external events

How you are expected to react to external events

What you can expect from other people, from life or from the world

The way the world works

How the world reacts to you"

Dr. Larry Nims

Dr. Caroline Leaf, an expert on brain development and a brain researcher states, "toxic stressors are activated by fear, so fear is the root of all stress. Fear triggers more than 1,400 known physical and chemical responses and activates more than 30 different hormones and neurotransmitters!" We can help you release fear and other negative emotions, turn down the chemical factory of toxic and stressful hormones and bring you to a point of balance regarding stressful issues you may face.

The brain doesn't care what you tell it to do, either positive or negative, it will do what it is instructed to do. That is why God commands us to take every thought captive unto the obedience of the Lord Jesus Christ. II Cor. 10:5. If you are wanting to re-train your brain for positive outcomes, we can help you!

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Right now is usually when many of us start feeling the effects of all the stress we are under. We probably did not eat the healthiest over Christmas, we were stressed by all the things we had to get done, we haven't been out in the sun for months, we go from warm houses to freezing cars, and we have been stuffed up in a house breathing the same recycled air all day. It's no wonder this time of year is called "cold and flu season." Our bodies need help. These two products can make a huge difference in weather you get sick this year.

Andrographis Complex

Andrographis Complex contains a blend of herbs to support normal immune function. Andrographis, Echinacea angustifolia root and Holy Basil provide a unique range of phytochemicals including diterpenoid lactones (collectively referred to as andrographolides), flavonoids, caffeic acid derivatives (especially echinacoside and cynarin), alkylamides, essential oil (rich in monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, typically eugenol) and polyphenols. The Andrographis component of this tablet is standardized to contain 10 mg per tablet of andrographolide to ensure optimal strength and quality. This herbal formulation works to:

enhance immune system function

support healthy respiratory system function

support and maintain normal body temperature within a normal range

support healthy immune response following stress, sudden changes in weather or temperature

encourage adaptive response to occasional everyday stress

promote healthy liver function

Cataplex D
Cataplex D supports bone health, mineral absorption, the immune system, and cellular processes.
Encourages healthy calcium absorption from the intestinal tract into the blood
Supports a healthy immune response
Supports and maintains healthy bone density
Needed by almost every cell in the body for development and transcription

Thursday, January 6, 2011

New Year's ~ New You ~ struggle with implementing simple changes that make a huge impact on your health?

Taking whole food supplements that contain "real" whole food are an important consideration for the health of our bodies in this country. Too much stress ~ too much sugar and caffeine, not enough sleep, exercise and laughter contribute to weakening our immune systems significantly!!!

Dr. Vic Shayne states:

Flavo-C is one very amazing supplement because it contains foods high in vitamin C andbioflavonoids. Both are involved in preventing heart disease, protecting against cancer, creating radiant skin, bolstering the immune system, protecting the lungs, healing wounds and sores and even building bones and muscle. The list is even longer.

Most everybody has heard of taking vitamin C to fight the flu. But Flavo-C is even better.

WHAT MAKES FLAVO-C DIFFERENT

Surprise! Almost every vitamin C pill on the market today is NOT even made from citrus.

Instead it's a synthetic (artificial) concoction made from corn sugar. Surprising to learn, but true.

Flavo-C, on the other hand, is not manmade. It contains fruits and other foods high in nutrients. It's the most natural source you can find. It contains more biochemical complexes to defend your body.

WHAT'S IN FLAVO-C? ONLY WHOLE FOOD COMPLEXES

Only foods are in Flavo-C — foods high in the entire vitamin C complex (not just ascorbic acid) as well as bioflavonoids.

ACEROLA CHERRY

Acerola is a cherry the size of a berry and is indigenous to tropical rainforests.

It is one of the highest vitamin C-containing fruits — much higher per volume than oranges, lemons or limes.

Vitamin C is the stuff of which cells are cemented together. A deficiency affects every membrane in the body.

Given flu symptoms, the cherry is an ideal adjunct to an ailing body. It supports the lungs, sinuses, throat, eyes and immune system.

Amazon herb researcher Leslie Taylor, ND writes:

“Acerola juice is as common and popular in Brazil as orange juice is in North America. As a natural remedy in Brazil, a handful of fresh fruit is eaten for fever and dysentery.

It is also used there as an anti-inflammatory, astringent, stimulant for the liver and renal systems, diuretic, and to support heart function as well as to heal wounds.

It is employed as a nutritive aid for anemia, diabetes, high cholesterol levels, liver problems, rheumatism, tuberculosis, and during convalescence."

WILD PANSY

While many food researchers have turned to buckwheat as a source of the flavonoid called rutin, wild pansy is, hands down, a superior source.

One of rutin's roles in biochemistry is to stabilize vitamin C, allowing it to be more effective fighting the flu.

BILBERRY

A good source of antioxidants (and vitamin C), bilberry also helps with many of the symptoms of cold and flu, including diarrhea.

HORSE CHESTNUT

Horse chestnut reduces inflammation, which is helpful when symptoms of swollen sinuses and restricted air passages.

FLAVO-C WORKS FOR MORE THAN COLDS AND FLU

Flavo-C is a versatile supplement because vitamin C and bioflavonoids have such ubiquitous roles in keeping us healthy.

From varicose veins to serious illnesses, the foods in FlavoC are needed for immune system support, healing, prevention, inflammation, swelling and lung capacity.

This January 22nd come hear Valeo's own Christine Stueve, N.D. and Dr. Rob Lindsey share their expertise on health. Christine will be speaking at 3 pm and Dr. Rob shortly there after.

Participants will expose health "secrets" in an interactive event competing for audience votes. Topics include "Breast Cancer Options," "Miraculous Quantum Healing," "No More Fibromyalgia," and "Releasing Addictions." Attendees will hear stories of triumph over disease, receive help for chronic conditions, and discover new techniques for healing and ways to look at the field of health.

Many people are searching for help to resolve health challenges. Many of these methods are from the field of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), which has developed into a popular and valuable adjunct to mainstream medical practice. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), part of the National Institutes of Health, 40% of adults polled reported using CAM in the previous 12 months (2007), and they were a requirement in 90% of medical schools (2007-2008). Until recently, this information has been buried by mainstream media. This event provides an opportunity to learn more about this timely, relevant, and fascinating field.

The Expose' includes two events during the Healthy Life Expo January 22-23 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Eight individuals compete Saturday from 3:00 - 4:30 pm. Another eight compete Sunday from 3:00 - 4:30 pm. Live audience polls each day via cell phone determine winners of media prizes. Members of the media are invited to participate as Panel Members for the Expose' on Health (seat reservations preferred).

Other expo events include "Expert Panel: The AntiAging Revolution," "Expert Panel: Finding True Happiness," and "Author Social and Booksigning."

The Healthy Life Expo is the largest health and wellness expo in the midwest with speakers, demonstrations, entertainment, product samplings, health screenings, and hundreds of exhibitors.

In the past few years, we have been told that around 80% of people in the U.S. are deficient of vitamin D. Now we are finding out that people are overdosing on it. At Valeo, we have been warning people that Vitamin D is a vitamin that you don't want to take without someone helping you to decide if you really need it and if you do you should have someone monitor you. The following is our stand on Vitamin D. After you read it, you will know why it is a crucial vitamin but why it is important to have help in knowing if it is right for you.

Philosophy on Vitamin D

Overview
Vitamins, minerals, enzymes, hormones, amino acids and proteins all work together to create biochemical reactions in the body. We were designed to easily utilize these vital nutrients in the body by obtaining them from our food supply and breaking down the nutrients from the food to deliver to the many organs, cells, body systems in need of them daily. Unfortunately, the myriad of toxins that have invaded our food, water and air supply have significantly hindered this normal body process in several ways. Beginning with digestion breakdown, proceeding on to affect the delivery system of nutrients to the cells, tissues, organs causing breakdown of the health and vitality of the body as a whole on to breaking down cellular communication over time – end result, imbalance, handicapped function, disease, etc.

Humans need both fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins in the body for daily function. However, fat-soluble vitamins can easily become toxic in the body including Vitamins A, D, E and K. When one begins to consume high doses of fat-soluble vitamins as supplements, creating potential imbalance, often the body cannot digest properly and then stores the synthetic or much imbalanced source of fat-soluble vitamin in our fat or connective tissues, organs and cells. Then one is exchanging deficiency for possible toxicity with different and often severe symptoms.

Is there really an epidemic of Vitamin D deficiency? Why?
We have been “feared” into behavior changes that do not address the cause of so many health issues today. For example, instead of staying out of the sun which is greatly needed for Vitamin D production naturally in the body, education is critical regarding the affects of the Standard American Diet (SAD), toxic sun screens, addictive substances and stress on the body as opposed to reverting to extreme behavior without considering all the contributing factors. When we consume less than optimal levels of cod liver oil, salmon and fresh, organic fruits and vegetables daily (as one significant factor), we are setting our bodies up for more than just extreme Vitamin D deficiency!

Much research has been done over the last several decades regarding mineral and vitamin toxicities and deficiencies, not the least of which, includes Vitamin D. It has been found that 400 IU of Vitamin D daily is required for optimal function. I don't believe there is discrepancy that we have a problem, however, I do wholeheartedly believe that there is a lack of the whole story being told. I will attempt to share with you some of the main issues that contribute to Vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D conversion in the skin is severely hindered due to covering the skin with clothing as well as toxic sunscreen usage. When you combine dangerous sunscreen usage with statin drug (cholesterol lowering medication) intake, the natural Vitamin D conversion/production in the body is crippled.

Sunshine is converted into fat-soluble vitamins, such as Vitamin D, in your skin by cholesterol. Adequate skin cholesterol is often significantly lacking, due to the fact that most Americans are taking statin drugs as well as consuming way to many “bad fats” which overload the liver and gallbladder function – hindering digestion and unbalancing cholesterol and homocysteine levels. Much can be done to reverse these dysfunctions in the body without creating more imbalance and side effects.

Digestion & Assimilation
Digestion breakdown is the number one problem I see with clients as at least one root cause of health degeneration including vitamin and mineral deficiency and toxicity. Knowing this, it does not make sense to load the body down with a large amount of supplements (especially synthetic forms at high dosage levels), even whole food Vitamin D if the underlying problems with digestion have not been addressed. I do not believe in giving clients high amounts of supplements based on fear driven calls to action/behaviors. Instead, help to educate and correct the diet, digestion and evaluate one's individual options for how much the body can do on it's own given half a chance. Getting any vitamin through our intended food supply is by far the best first course of action. At the point where the body is still struggling on it's own, whole food supplements and/or lifestyle changes are then necessary. For example, many health problems such as osteoporosis are not cured by filling the body with pharmaceutical drugs or loads of calcium that not only can't cure the body but then are not digested, assimilated or delivered in the proper form. It does not make sense to band-aid a symptom or health problem without first addressing any underlying digestive breakdowns or imbalances for each individual.

Many people eat right, exercise, get plenty of rest and yet still suffer with symptoms of varying kinds. With hair analysis (tissue mineral analysis at the cellular level) as one tool, we are able to easily discern if there are mineral imbalances and/or toxic metals interfering with digestion for starters. Assessing the organs at the cellular level sheds much light on one's health and ability to heal. Creating an environment by which the body can heal is by far the best way for one to overcome Vitamin D deficiency, hormonal imbalance, digestive stress/breakdown and disease, etc.